There’ll be a warm welcome to brass band players this Monday (13th October) in the small Welsh village of Abergynolwyn in Gwynedd when its proud band opens its doors in a new venture to revitalise its fortunes.

Involved

The open evening is being led by former Foden’s tuba star Phil Green, who has moved to the area to live with his family and has been immediately welcomed into the community — and with a brass band on his doorstep, he just couldn’t help but become involved.

Originally founded in 1864, the Abergynolwyn Band has in recent years seen a bit of a dip in membership as players moved out of the area for work or university, but, things are certainly on the up with a hard working committee determined to see the band flourish once again.

Entice

On Monday night the doors will be open to welcome anyone who may be interested in joining the exciting venture — with the additional bribe of some wonderful bara brith to entice them too!

Perfect time

Band Secretary, Elwyn Evans, is hoping that some of the local people, who have played with the band in the past, might be persuaded to find their mouthpiece out and re-join.

"Phil Green’s arrival in the village has come at the perfect time. We have a group of players and a number of very talented youngsters who are just bursting to get the band back to full strength, so we’re hoping to encourage old and new players to come down and take part in our open evening."

He added: "We also have a learners group whose numbers are increasing under the excellent direction of teacher Linda Williams and we can loan instruments to people interested in playing at any level — so there is something for everyone."

Wonderful welcome

Phil told 4BR that he has been overcome by the welcome he and his family have received in the village.

"We have wanted to come here for a while — and with my work schedule, it’s the perfect place to enjoy life. All that and there is a great brass band on my doorstep that I’m determined to help.

The welcome we have been given has been amazing — and has made us feel a real part of a wonderful community, so putting something back is going to be a real pleasure."

We have wanted to come here for a while — and with my work schedule, it’s the perfect place to enjoy life. All that and there is a great brass band on my doorstep that I’m determined to helpPhil Green

Concert calender

The band rehearses in their own room at the village Ganolfan (Hall) every Monday evening at 7.30pm, and enjoy an active, but sensible concert calendar — recently leading the local community in a procession from Bala to the new Mary Jones World Centre before performing a short concert to 500 people including local dignitaries.

More details

For more details contact Elwyn Evans: e.evan944@btinternet.com or Phil Green: philgreentuba@gmail.com or just turn up at Y Ganolfan, Abergynolwyn (Opposite the Railway pub) at 19:30 on Monday 13th October for a blow, a cuppa or both.